Aston Villa boss Alex McLeish had scouts in the stands for Bologna's clash with Fiorentina this week.
It's understood two Villa representatives took in the game, with Florence sources claiming McLeish was having Fiorentina goalkeeper Arturo Boruc watched.
Fiorentina teammates Stevan Jovetic, Juan Manuel Vargas and Adem Ljajic have also been linked with interest from England this season.